The on-line museum of North America's independent department stores. The museum holds all sorts of information about classic department stores which either no longer exist, or are changed beyond recognition. A few of them are still with us, and provide an interesting connection to North America's retail past. The others are presented so that they may be properly remembered as a tangible part of the lives of their customers, shopping destinations where memories were often made.

Thanks to Christopher Sawyer, of the Denholm and McKay Web Site for all of the information in this exhibit. Chris is devoted to the history of this memorable retailer and graciously provided a directory, history, photos, and logos in order to make this exhibit possible.

11 comments:

I loved shopping at the flagship Worcester Denholms through the 1960's and early 1970's. It was across the street from Filenes and those were the two best stores in the city---My sister and I also bought fabrics there and the selection of fabrics and fancy trimmings was superb. We used to enter at the High Street level to get to the clothes faster.Although I grew up in Auburn [a suburb] the mall store was not nearly as good as the flagship store.Thanks for including this in your profiles!!!

My great aunt used to work at Denholms in worcester ma and I am looking for there christmas decor they once had. I have lost my aunt back in 2002 and miss her so much and looking to find these things to remember her by. If anyone has any information on where I might be able to find some items that would be amazing. Thank You again and thank you to Denholms for employing the best aunt a girl could have.

Hi Bak, Thanks for publishing this info. I just purchased a vintage sports coat that someone once bought in the Varsity Shop on the 3rd Floor, circa 1965. Nice to see the provenance.Here's a link to an photo of the label.http://img0.etsystatic.com/011/0/6115525/il_fullxfull.415512868_l7gp.jpg

I shopped in Denholms home décor department in the early 1970's and they had some great artwork. I was interested in a vintage black and white painting of a man and women ice skating. I didn't purchase it when I first saw it and when I went back to the store the painting had been sold. If anyone knows of this painting or of someone wanting to sell one of these, I would appreciate feedback.

About Me

Born in 1958 into an American family with deep Polish roots, I was encouraged at an early age to take education wherever I could get it. I was taken across the country as a child, by my first-generation American parents, to see the wonders of our continent, and several World's Fairs which my parents felt would be educational and fun for our family. All of these things have affected my life in so many ways since then. I achieved a couple of degrees in architecture, and attained licensure in 1990. My specialty in the field is creative design, for which I have received a number of awards and accolades. I am happily married for the second time. I experienced the sadness and pain of being a widower after my first wife passed away suddenly in 1996. I would not be telling the truth if I did not mention how central my Roman Catholic faith was in negotiating such a difficult time. It still is, in fact. I work for Fieldstone A&E and, my free time is spent, learning, researching, writing, cooking, traveling, taking photographs, ballroom dancing, and enjoying my relationship with my wife and family with whom I am extraordinarily close.